초록 ▼

A self-monitoring mail delivery system wherein mail is tracked as it passes through multiple delivery stages. A schedule is created of expected arrival times at each stage. Should a mail piece not arrive on time, the system is alerted to initiate a search for the late or missing mail piece, or to ta

A self-monitoring mail delivery system wherein mail is tracked as it passes through multiple delivery stages. A schedule is created of expected arrival times at each stage. Should a mail piece not arrive on time, the system is alerted to initiate a search for the late or missing mail piece, or to take other corrective action, such as expediting delivery of late pieces. A data center monitors the operations and provides management information to help enhance deliveries.

대표청구항 ▼

A system for tracking an article through a delivery system employing a plurality of uniquely identified delivery stages, comprising: a station for preparing said article for entry into said system, said preparing station including codification means for placing a tracking code on said article, a tra

A system for tracking an article through a delivery system employing a plurality of uniquely identified delivery stages, comprising: a station for preparing said article for entry into said system, said preparing station including codification means for placing a tracking code on said article, a tracking station, a communication link connecting said tracking station to each of said delivery stages, means at said tracking station for determining a schedule of approximate arrival times at each of said delivery stages for a tracked article, means for accessing each of said delivery stages to determine the presence of said article with said tracking code, and means responsive to receipt of a response from a delivery stage indicating the said tracked article has not arrived at said delivery stage on schedule for causing said system to take actions in connection with the late article.